Shore businesses hope contest will attract tourists

Jersey Shore Convention and Visitors BureauThe Jersey Shore ICON Contest, which challenges beachgoers to "collect" codes at nearby businesses, was created to generate a new wave of tourism for the state.

Some shore businesses are setting out an extra chair for visitors this summer.

As part of a new marketing campaign, Ocean and Monmouth County establishments will place lifeguard stands near their doors for beachgoers to "collect" with text messages or by scanning QR codes.

"The icon is a great representation of the Jersey Shore. It’s easily identifiable and as a shore attraction, we are excited to be a part of this program," said Sophia Mangalee, director of marketing for Monmouth Park racetrack.

In September, a grand prize will be awarded to the person who visits and logs the most icons. Coupons and discounts will also be rewarded at random throughout the summer, according to a release from the bureau.

Each lifeguard stand icon will have a sign on it with a unique code. Visitors can text those codes to a number provided on the sign and a system will keep track of how many are submitted by each phone number.

Spokeswoman Tischa Culver said the big prize will likely be a week’s stay at the shore complete with free and discounted treats, but the location could vary.

"The prize will be based on the demographic of the entries," Culver said. "We don’t want to put a family at the ‘Jersey Shore’ house and we probably don’t want to put a 20-year-old at a Cape May bed and breakfast."